Matt Polster’s emergence within the U-23 U.S. National Team player pool is not too dissimilar from his arrival into Major League Soccer earlier this year.
Polster was a relatively unheralded addition to coach Andi Herzog’s U-23 camp in late August despite establishing himself as an MLS Rookie of the Year candidate early in the 2015 campaign. Nonetheless, Polster impressed upon debuting with the U.S. squad in England, and it was more of the same as he played a major role in the U.S.’ recent Olympic Qualifying campaign.
“It was hard to tell what my role was going to be, Andi knew I could play both right back and central midfield,” Polster said of his expectations ahead of the Qualifying tournament. “I knew I was just going to work hard and do what he asked me to do. In the end I think getting a little exposure at both positions was good.”
In just his second stint with the group, Polster felt at ease with a U-23 player pool he rates very highly, one that includes a number of up-and-comers currently plying their trade overseas. The squad outclassed their group stage opposition but suffered a disheartening 2-0 loss to Honduras in the semifinals, placing their Olympic aspirations in jeopardy.
“I think we just had an off-day and unfortunately it came at the most important time,” Polster said. “All the credit to Honduras but we definitely had the quality to win that game, we just didn’t show it that day.”
The Americans recovered to claim victory in a must-win third-place game vs. Canada, winning by a 2-0 scoreline to set up a home-and-away playoff against Colombia with a trip to the 2016 Olympics on the line.
“It’s never fun playing a team for a second time in a tournament, especially after you’ve beaten them once and they’re out for a little revenge,” Polster said of that do-or-die matchup with Canada. “We pinned them in early and we were all over them from start to finish. Now we look to March and it’ll be good to get back with the guys and train so when the time comes we’ll be prepared and ready to go.”
Asked about the privilege of representing his country on the international level, Polster's quick shake of the head and humbled expression made it clear just how much the experience means to him.
“I love it, man,” Polster said. “It’s definitely something I’ve always wanted to do and going out there, I just want to work hard and do the best I can for this country.”
